The 2024-25 season schedule has been released, and the stage is set for the much-awaited basketball action. However, before the games tip off, an important debate is brewing around Victor Wembanyama. With LeBron James inching closer to his retirement, Adam Silver has to fill the void and find another potential star who could emerge as the new face of the league. While Anthony Edwards has already made waves, the NBA schedule hinted at a ‘forceful’ spotlight on the towering French man. And this is what the fans wanted as well, claimed a media veteran.

Despite the poor run in the previous season, the San Antonio Spurs had the privilege of playing 21 nationally televised games. Notably, only 13 teams have over 20 nationally televised games. Kevin O’Connor and Chris Vernon discussed the possible reason for Adam Silver’s apparent soft spot for Wemby & Co.,  on their show, The Mismatch.

“If you’re looking at the teams that have over 20 (nationally televised games), the Spurs, they’re the team that they’re really forcing early. This team might not be great early but they have Victor Wembanyama, who could be better, even better in a second year and should be way better in a second year and they added veterans to support the team where you’re hoping that it’s not blowouts,” O’Connor said.

The 2023 #1 pick has been in the spotlight ever since he arrived on American soil, carrying immense expectations on his shoulders. The 7’4″ Wembanyama exceeded expectations with ease, even winning the Rookie of the Year award. However, his team fell short, finishing 14th in the Western Conference with a 22-60 record, which included multiple blowout losses.

Notably, the Spurs have bolstered their roster by adding Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, who bring valuable experience to the team. Additionally, O’Connor confidently stated that the Spurs would improve, given Wemby’s rapid development in recent months. “They should be better this year. They should be competitive on a night in, night out basis.”

Does America want to see Victor Wembanyama?

An NBA game is nationally televised only if it has the potential to attract a lot of viewers to their TV screens. If the Spurs have more than 20 nationally televised games despite their poor run in the last few seasons, it’s clear that Wemby has made a lasting impact.

“I think the NBA made the right bet with them,” O’Connor talked about the decision to give the Spurs over 20 televised games. “People want to see him. You shouldn’t have to have a league pass to see Wemby,” Vernon added, claiming that Wemby has found a place in Americans’ hearts.

Moreover, Spurs fans might see an entirely different team with the addition of point guard, Chris Paul. After a successful season with the Golden State Warriors, where he came off the bench for the first time in his career, CP3 will return to the starting lineup once again. Fans could soon see the dynamic combination of Wembanyama’s explosive play and Paul’s playmaking skills.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.